Mormon choir singer quits over Trump inauguration as boycott pressure mounts

Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony has suffered another blow after a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which is due to perform at the ceremony on January 20, has resigned from the group in protest. Jan Chamberlin wrote in an emotional Facebook post, that an appearance at the ceremony would be tantamount to endorsing "tyranny and fascism".

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has performed at a number of inauguration ceremonies, including those of Lyndon B Johnson, as well as both George HW Bush and son George W Bush. Though a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Eric Hawkins, said the performance by individual members was voluntary, Chamberlin felt strongly enough about the issue to step down.

In her post, she said she would resign after "several sleepless nights and days in turmoil and agony", adding that she would not "'throw roses to Hitler.' And I certainly could never sing for him."

Drawing a parallel between Trump and fictional character of the Wizard from the musical Wicked, she wrote: "The Wizard makes a really interesting statement. He says, 'I create conflict to stay in power.'

"This scenario can keep us perpetually distracted and at odds with each other and keep us from working together to solve important issues. This also allows those in office to do whatever they want to unchecked.

"I believe this has been done to us, both cunningly and intentionally," she added.

Echoing sentiments of those calling for unity in a time of global divisions, Chamberlin said: "I believe we have a lot more in common than we have in difference, and if we will listen to each other, we can learn a great deal from one another."

She added: "History is repeating itself; the same tactics are being used by Hitler… I plead with everyone to go back and read the books we all know on these topics and review the films produced to help us learn from these gargantuan crimes so that we will not allow them to be repeated. Evil people prosper when good people stand by and do nothing."

Chamberlin's post has since either been removed or made private. It appeared from another public post on her profile on Saturday that she had been trolled by those who disagreed with her decision.

However, she was not the only member of the Mormon community to have objected to the choir's participation in the ceremony, with a petition launched on Change.org asking the choir not to perform.

Reports also indicated that members of the A list had also boycotted the ceremony, with the likes of Elton John and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons both turning down the opportunity to perform. Though the latter has since said he was never asked. Members of dance troupe The Radio City Rockettes, also confirmed to perform, also expressed disappointment in the decision to participate.

Meanwhile, last week it was reported Jimmy Carter was the only former-President to have yet confirmed attendance at the ceremony.